The Federal Government has announced that 83 Nigerians stranded in South Africa will return to the country on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ebienfa said the returnees would leave Johannesburg at 3:35 p.m. local time and are expected to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:45 p.m. aboard South African Airways.
He explained that the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention of some public-spirited private individuals who sponsored the returnees’ flight tickets.
“The ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the Federal Government acknowledges with profound gratitude,” he said.
The spokesperson said the development followed the earlier completion of the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation exercise, which facilitated the return of nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa.
According to him, the exercise was carried out against the backdrop of increasing Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
Ebienfa reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora.
He said Nigerians living abroad were regarded as important partners in national development, adding that government would continue to take steps to protect their interests and well-being.
The ministry’s spokesperson also appreciated the individuals and philanthropists who contributed to the latest repatriation effort.
He described their intervention as a demonstration of the whole-of-society approach and public-private partnership being promoted by government to address challenges confronting Nigerians abroad.
“The ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa.
“In light of this, the ministry calls upon the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments, and other well-meaning Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate these worthy examples,” he said.
Ebienfa noted that increased collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly to consular emergencies.
He further said the Federal Government would continue to engage South Africa and other host countries in addressing the underlying causes of xenophobia.
The spokesperson added that government would work to prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians, condemn such acts and ensure that perpetrators were held accountable.